Dedham Police: Bicycles Found in River Near Motherbook Apartments

Monday, Oct. 20

At about 12:03 p.m., Dedham police responded to the area of Mt. Vernon and CLark streets on a report of youths fighting. Officers spoke with a crossing guard, who had been speaking with a female, and learned that there was a group of four males who had apparently attacked another male. When someone stopped in a vehicle, the youths reportedly dispersed from the area. Officers spoke with the victim, who said he had been jumped, but was unsure of who the other youths were. The victim them left and returned home.

At 5:30 p.m., police received a report from a local resident that her computer had been held ransom after a crypto wall virus encrypted all of her personal files, rendering the computer useless, until she was able to distribute a certain amount of money. She subsequently followed-up with credit unions to avoid identity theft.

Tuesday, Oct. 21

At 3:07 p.m., police responded to CVS on Providence Highway on a report of past shoplifting. Officers spoke with a store manager who said that three females had entered the store and allegedly stole about $100 worth of diapers. Police told the manager to call them the next time the suspects entered the store.

At 4:45 p.m., police responded to Old Navy on a report of shoplifting. Officers spoke with Old Navy staff, who pointed across the Dedham Mall parking lot towards a woman carrying a baby, saying she was the suspect. Officers spoke with the woman, who said that she had not taken anything. She opened a bag she had been carrying so police could check, revealing no clothing to be inside. Officers spoke with staff, who said the woman had been in the store on a previous occasion and that she had allegedly assaulted an employee, though she had not taken anything that day. The woman did not have identification on her; police subsequently told her not to return to Old Navy.

At 5 p.m., police responded to the Motherbrook apartment complex on North Stone Mill Drive on a report of two bicycles in the river. Upon arrival, officers found the bikes, which appeared to be abandoned. Police searched the area for anyone who may have fallen into the river or in distress, but were not able to locate anyone. The Dedham Fire Department then sent firefighters to retrieve the bikes, which were transported back to the Dedham Police Department and placed in storage. One of the bikes was described as a silver Mongoose Rebel, the other being a silver and black Mongoose XTZ2 (21-speed) bike.

Thursday, Oct. 23

At 11:59 a.m., police received a report of a phone scam, during which a resident reported receiving several calls from a person claiming to work for Publisher’s Clearing House and said that the resident had won more than $500,000, but to obtain the money she would need to forward $700 to a Bank of America account. The resident reportedly knew the call had been a scam, but was able to keep the person on the phone to try to get more information. Police told her that, should the person call her again, she should inform him that the police have been notified.

At 12:27 p.m., police responded to a report of a fight in progress at Citizens Bank in Legacy Place. Officers spoke with two individuals, one of whom said that while stepping off a sidewalk, a driver accidentally ran over his foot, and a verbal argument ensued. Both were advised of their rights and neither sought criminal charges.

Sunday, Oct. 26

At 3:23 p.m, police responded to the area of Fisher and Ames streets on a report of a suspicious person who had been collecting wood from a pile left by NSTAR, which had been doing work in the area. Officers located a stack of wood that was strapped together and other parts used by NSTAR for the project. Police were able to contact the individual, who reportedly admitted that he had taken wood, thinking it was left behind and free for the taking. Police informed the man that he would have to return the wood to the area and ask NSTAR if he would have permission to take it. The man said he would return the wood immediately.